Erik Wise is the founder and lead designer of Urban Native Co. Founded in 2014 in Nigeria, West Africa, Urban Native brings global traditions together with Coastal and Urban styling to create a fashion line that celebrates the diversity of international cultures through each design. The line is inspired by the vibrant colors and use of mixed prints throughout various African and international customs.
Having designed and created custom couture pieces for many years, 2020 started a new chapter for the brand with the opening of their first retail boutique in Westshore Plaza in Tampa. In 2022, the expansion of the brand was realized with Urban Native Black Label, a sophisticated and elevated collection of fine designs and accessories. The organic evolution of the brand will see the opening of a brand new boutique and design studio highlighting the Urban Native designs, local designer accessories, creative entrepreneurs and distinctively curated pieces for our market in the Countryside Mall, Clearwater, FL in November 2026.
Urban Native views fashion as art. Emotion, heart, passion and creativity combine with natural gemstones, organic fabrics, fine metals and patience to bring together exciting statement pieces.
Erik has been honored to show his collections at Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Orlando International Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Atlanta Fashion Week and others throughout the US, Latin American and West Africa. He has recently been featured in Elle Magazine, Vogue China, Vogue & Fashion Week online. Urban Native is looking forward to showcasing their new capsule collection domestically and internationally in the 2026/27 season. Follow Urban Native on Instagram here.
